Faculty Sponsor
Jeffrey Pruet
College
Arts and Sciences
Discipline(s)
Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry
ORCID Identifier(s)
Zach Bennett, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5407-1523
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 4-1-2020
Abstract
Fungal infections are of continuous concern, especially with regard to immunocompromised patients. In an effort to develop new potential anti-fungal agents, we have begun synthesizing a library of potential inhibitors of the fungal Methionine Synthase (MetSyn) enzyme. Key differences between the B12-independant fungal MetSyn enzyme and the B12-dependant mammalian form can allow for an antifungal drug to be developed to exclusively bind the fungal enzyme and inhibit fungal growth while leaving the host (patient) unaffected. We are currently exploring the synthesis of various pterin and deazaguanine-based molecules as these mimic folate, an essential substrate for MetSyn function. We have begun testing these new molecules for activity in a fungal growth assay, as well as a fluorescent assay for monitoring MetSyn activity.
Recommended Citation
Bennett, Zachary; Burkhart, Grace; Bockman, Anna; Moriarty, Noah; and Pruet, Jeffrey, "Synthetic Routes to a Library of Novel Methionine Synthase Inhibitors" (2020). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 885.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/885
